Course summary
OVERVIEW UWS’s BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience with Forensic Investigation will equip you with the forensic analysis skills to assess crime scenes and analyse biological and chemical evidence. It will also develop your complex problem solving skills. It aims to produce well-qualified, highly skilled graduates who meet the demands of the UK and international biotechnology, food, pharmaceutical, life sciences and forensic sectors. PRACTICAL FOCUS Modern analytical techniques, practice-based and research skills are key strengths of this degree. In addition, you have the option to undertake a 12-week placement during Year 3 of your studies, allowing you to apply the skills, techniques and knowledge you’ve gained to real-world settings. If you opt not to undertake the optional placement, the alternative is to undertake two university based modules; Bio-case study and Bio-professional Practice which aim to develop some of the key skills and competencies required in the work place. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION This degree has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). Accredited degrees contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. This course meets, in part, the academic and experience requirement for the Membership of the RSB and Chartered Biologist (CBiol) status. CAREER PROSPECTS Jobs UWS Applied Bioscience with Forensic Investigation graduates are well qualified to enter a range of related medical professions, providing you meet the requirements of the employer and employment opportunities, including: // NHS hospital laboratories // Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service laboratories // Health Protection Agency laboratories // Research & development laboratories for the medical, pharmaceutical, veterinary and food sectors // Primary and secondary teaching There are various areas where good scientific skills are required including clinical laboratories, analytical laboratories, research laboratories, contract research organisations, distillers and support companies. Further Study UWS Applied Bioscience with Forensic Investiagtion graduates often continue their studies on taught master's (MSc) or research options (MRes, MPhil, PhD) in Biomedical Sciences or Biotechnology subject areas. The BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience with Forensic Investigation is also acceptable to all Schools of Education as an entry qualification to the Postgraduate/Professional Diploma in Education for Biology and General Science teaching.
Modules
In Year 1, you be given a general introduction to various biological disciplines, from cell and molecular aspects to ecological and environmental topics. You will be introduced to the role of a forensic scientist and research specific cases. In Year 2, your studies will include how to identify, collect and analyse biological trace evidence from a crime scene. You will acquire expertise in the use and application of microscopy in a forensic investigation. Subjects including molecular genetics, biochemistry, pharmacology and microbiology will be introduced. In Year 3, you will study DNA and controlled substances and will apply your knowledge to investigate a crime scene scenario. You may have some choice in which bioscience to focus on e.g. microbiology, immunology or biochemistry. A valuable career enhancing 12-week work placement is possible in a research, hospital or company laboratory. Your final year of studies will see you focusing on forensic specialist subjects taking you from the crime scene to the courtroom while gaining in-depth knowledge of your chosen biological subjects and their applications. A critical part of your final year of study is a detailed supervised project where you participate in research in a subject area of your choice.
Assessment method
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops. You will also have the opportunity to take part in group work and independent learning to develop your transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team. This degree is assessed using a variety of assessment methods including: // Written examinations // Coursework // Practical assessment
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Royal Society of Biology
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
25Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C7F4
- Institution code:
- U40
- Campus name:
- Lanarkshire Campus
- Campus code:
- I
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
International applicants
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. These are shown below.
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 114 points
A level - BCC
Scottish Higher - ABBB
Scottish Advanced Higher - BBC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
T Level - M
Year 1 entry: SWAP (BBB) Access to Medicine; Access to Science; Access to Biological and Chemical Science; Access to Chemistry and Biology; Access to Health and Biological Science; Access to Dietetics; Access to Health and Life Sciences; Access to Radiography.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 points
A level - BCC
Scottish Higher - BBBB
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill / component. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | ISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests |
| PTE Academic | 54 | An overall score of 54 with no element below 51 |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | no sub-test less than: Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17 |
DUO LINGO In addition ot the above English Language tests, for 2022-23 entry, the University has approved the use of the online Duolingo English test as evidence of English language ability. UWS will accept an overall score between 90-115 with no component score below 90. For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The reason for this is that it’s essential that you are able to read, speak and understand the English language to get the most out of your time at UWS. All international applicants are required to meet minimum English language standards, with the exception of: // Native speakers of English // Erasmus students (unless advised otherwise) // non-Erasmus students from EU partner institutions (your institution must provide confirmation of your English language ability in the absence of a formal qualification) The qualifications above must have been gained within two years prior to the start of your course at UWS.
UWS's English language requirements
https://www.uws.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| EU | £14500* | Year 1 |
| International | £14500* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Additional fee information
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - SCOTTISH STUDENTS:
Eligible Scottish domiciled students can usually apply to have their tuition fees paid for them each year of their studies by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). If you're not sure about your eligibility, you should contact SAAS. You need to apply to SAAS each year of study to have your tuition fees paid directly to UWS.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - UK, IRISH & GIBRALTARIAN STUDENTS:
Eligible students who are domiciled in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland as well as from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar or the Republic of Ireland will qualify for tuition fees of £9,250 per academic session of study to a maximum of three years if you are studying on a four year bachelor degree course (eg. BAcc (Hons) / BA (Hons) / BEng (Hons) / BSc (Hons)). So, if your degree is four years' duration, you will only be charged tuition fees for three years. Similarly, if you are studying a five year integrated master's degree course (eg. MEng (Hons)) the you will only be charged tuition fees for four years.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - INTERNATIONAL (NON-EU) & EU STUDENTS:
These tuition fees apply to all non-EU, EEA, and all other EU students (excluding those from Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar, whose fee level is as per UK (non-Scottish) students - see section above for more details).
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs such as consumable study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms. You may also want to purchase some core texts and technology such as a new laptop etc. Some of these additional costs are optional, some, such as uniforms or safety equipment may be mandatory.
Check the course entry on our website for more more information.
Sponsorship information
Visit www.uws.ac.uk/scholarships
Provider information
University of the West of Scotland
Paisley Campus
High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BE